Rapper Dragon works well ahead of Hong Kong Classic Cup
RAPPER Dragon is looking to continue its stunning form in the Hong Kong Classic Cup on February 19, and trainer John Moore was confident after some impressive track work on Tuesday morning.
The talented gelding has already taken out the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series and will likely be the favourite after producing some slick work at Sha Tin.
“I’m very pleased with Rapper Dragon’s trial this morning – everything’s going the same direction, work-wise, as it was leading into his last win,” Moore said.
“He’ll be cherry ripe by the time he gets to the Classic Cup a week on Sunday.”
Moore is confident Rapper Dragon is the horse to beat after its emphatic victory in the Hong Kong Classic Mile in January.
“He remains the one they all have to beat – you just have to look at the rating, 114,” Moore said.
“You’re now looking for hidden talent; which horses coming through have something up their sleeves, that have just needed racing to acclimatise, or whatever?”
Rapper Dragon ran 59.35 for 1000m in a trial which also included Moore’s Hong Kong Derby-bound Eagle Way, which was making impressive ground late in the Classic Mile.
The Group 1 Queensland Derby winner is travelling well as it continues a busy preparation.
“Eagle Way – I was very happy with the trial,” Moore said. “He shows early speed but when it comes to race day you can drop him back in and he’ll relax. He’s going well.”
Moore also had Beauty Generation in the Classic Mile which ran third, but sustained a cut to the leg, which Moore believes it has recovered well from.
“Beauty Generation got galloped on again in the Classic Mile so he missed a day’s work,” Moore said.
“But he was back galloping within a few days and he was out on the training track this morning. I’m happy with the way he’s progressing.”
Moore did express disappointment about the way it finished off behind its stablemate last start.
“It was a little bit disappointing that he didn’t hit the line a little stronger the other day.” he said.
“The way he closed off, he just didn’t finish like I’d hoped he would. Maybe that’s the best he can do – he doesn’t have a long run on him.
“He’s still on track and maybe that little freshen up won’t have hurt him.”